Trend Spotter : Mermaid Hair, Don't Care

Let's face it. We've all wanted to be mermaids at one point or another. Maybe it's the fin or maybe it's the seashell bra, who really knows, but for me it was always the hair. Mermaids have beautiful, long, flowy hair that slides smoothly behind them as they charge through the water. I have always wanted that. And lately, the newest trend is "mermaid" colored hair. So what did you really expect me to do? 

(Disclaimer: These results were highly obnoxious and to be honest, if you're wanting to go the pastel hair route, I suggest you save your money and go to a professional.)

Basically, mermaid hair is just shades of pastel colors, but it's all the craze. Hilary Duff, Nicki Minaj, Mary-Kate Olsen, they've all done it. The most popular colors are bubblegum pink, lavender, mint, and a soft blue. I decided that I wanted to do the lavender color. $15 and a drive to Sally's Beauty Supply later, I had my supplies ready to go. 

The first step (which is even more difficult for people like me who have dark hair) is to bleach the parts you're going to dye. Bleach is pretty difficult to work with and has the potential to cause a lot of damage, so read the instructions carefully. In order to do this correctly, ESPECIALLY if you're wanting the super pastel colors like mint and lavender, your hair needs to be almost white. 

A couple tries later, and almost $30 more, I still didn't have lavender hair. The red undertones and inability to bleach completely made it pretty difficult. The end result was an ugly grey color in my hair. Luckily, I had only done a few sections and not my whole head. 

The cashier at Sally's was super helpful and told me I would be better off trying a color that wasn't so difficult to achieve. I gave up my hope for the lavender and switched to magenta, which worked out pretty well. The end result was pretty and I'm happy I at least have some color in there. The main lesson I learned was that you really do need to get in with a professional instead of trying it at home, but honestly, I think this new style is super cute and totally worth the money. 

Coundown to Formal!

Countdown to Formal!

One of my favorite parts about being in a sorority is formal. A sorority formal is like a high school prom but way better. Because it’s all of your sisters and their dates, so it’s way more fun. Not to mention way cheaper. This is because most sorority dues cover the cost of a formal ticket and transportation. When I was in high school, prom was the most exciting event to come at the end of the year, but also the most expensive. Don’t worry with my list with planning, I will help ease the stress of the countdown to formal.

1.      Dress- Before you buy anything, ask yourself what you already have and what is in your personal budget to sludge to get something new. Also before you buy anything I suggest asking your sisters if you can barrow things for formal. Another thing to look at is the theme of your formal. You can go with the theme and it can help narrow down what you want to wear.

• Nordstrom Rack-Get a designer dress for more than half the price. Not to mention you have 90 days to return!
• David’s Bridal- They have really cute dresses however my only issue is it is final sale. I suggest getting short dresses from them because you are more likely to wear a short dress more than a long one
• Rent the runway-You can rent a dress! No joke, they have designer dresses for an amazing price!

2.     Shoes- My big advice for shoes is make sure they are comfortable to wear for dancing not just for pictures. You can do dress flats or go high in heels. If you need help breaking in your heels. What I do is I do my chores in heels, I take out the trash, clean up, etc. It sounds like a lot but when you’re at formal and you’re not taking off your shoes 5 minutes after putting them on. So worth it! Suggested places to look are:

• Payless- They have dress shoes for cheap, and the comfort plus shoes are so comfy
• DSW-Designer shoes for less not to mention they usually have a lot of color options.
• Nordstrom Rack- Same reason as the dress, and their shoes are really good quality.

3.     Date or group-If you want to ask some to formal. I say go for it! You can keep is casual and simply ask or go big. Asking someone to formal is not like asking someone to prom. Its way funnier and most likely the person you’re asking will say yes. Or you can go in a group which is always fun, you can even pick a spot near campus to take pictures. The most important thing is have fun!

4.      Makeup-You can have it done or you can always use YouTube. I use YouTube for makeup all the time. Thanks to countless beauty blogs and videos. Videos I suggest to subscribe to are

• Em’s Beauty Secrets- https://www.youtube.com/user/EmilyGoulart93
• Casey Holmes- https://www.youtube.com/user/itsbl0ndie
• Makeup by Ali- https://www.youtube.com/user/MakeupByAlli

How Having a Little Prepares You for Marraige

I know the title of this post seems far fetched but hear me out, there are some definite comparisons.

1. Taking a little is a life long commitment. Marriage is supposed to be a life long commitment too. When you take your little you are promising to be there for her through thick and thin. No matter what. Kinda makes you think of wedding vows?  

2. You want everything to be perfect. Her baskets, her gifts, the reveal, it all has to be perfect for your little. This is just a taste of the madness of planning a wedding.

 3. You give her gifts to seal the deal, kinda like an engagement ring right?

4. You sacrifice for her: you'll do anything for your little. Leaving the house to pick her up at 2 am. Giving her the last bite. Going broke during big/little so she would have everything she wanted. Only the best for your little.

Being in a sorority makes you a more committed person. Joining a sorority is joining a new family. If you're not from a big family this can be overwhelming at first. When you get your big or find your little it's like the process has come full circle.

Traveling with You Sisters- A Life Changing Experience

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to travel. I know a lot of people say this, but in all honesty, in the deepest part of my soul, all I want is this world is to be able to see the world through my lens, capture it, and inspire others to do the same (if I got paid to do this that would be a great bonus).

Growing up, my father was never too keen on me being anywhere away from his abusive household. As I grew, my walls became covered with pictures and collages of the many places I wanted to visit. He would always tell me that I would never be able to go anywhere with out him, and I am sure, long before I realized how crazy he was, that every day I felt more and more trapped and thus longed to pick up and go anywhere my heart desired.

Sometime after my father was out of the picture, I was able to take my first adventure. In November of 2011, I registered for a travel course to spend 11 days exploring Greece at the end of May 2012. This was a dream come true for me, especially since years before I became “Greek” myself, I have always wanted to visit and learn about, in my mind, the most beautiful culture in the world.

The best part about this upcoming trip was knowing that I wasn’t going alone. Not only would I be traveling  to the most beautiful country in the world with a class, and a professor I already knew but I would be traveling to Greece with 5 others of my sorority sisters.

Traveling along Greece with my sisters brought us all closer. We learned a lot about the country, each other, and even ourselves. it was an experience that I wouldn’t want to share with anyone else and to this day, I encourage my fellow sisters to take the opportunity to take travel with each other.

And now I am telling you, take the opportunity while you young to travel with your sorority sisters because there are very few experiences in this world that would ever compare!

For me, this made my first traveling experience that much better. I was able to witness the true beauty of the country that is very much a part of me and my fellow Greeks, I was able to see the letters and recognize them, see the agriculture, and art, and country side and felt oddly connect to the place. It was comforting to know that I was not alone, that 7 other individuals (five  in my chapter, two in other sororities) felt that same connection. To this day, I long for the feelings that trip gave me, I long to be back, and I always look back and remember how we felt on that trip together, because all of were better people because of it.

Throw What You Know Giveaway

        Every sorority throws their sign up in pictures with sisters, scenic backgrounds, and especially recruitment or bid day but did you know that their is a website called twykdecals.com? 

        Throw What You Know Decals is all about us sorority girls. They specialize in making high quality products for college sorority members! From decals, to ornaments and wine glasses, their products create the perfect, unique gift for a sister, big, or little! And if you love their products and want to get involved? Learn more about being a campus representative!
       I recently got a bunch of their products and needless to say their amazing. Their glasses are engraved with letters and their stickers are beautiful, not to mention come in Lilly Pulitzer print. I plan on putting a sticker on the back of my car and one on my laptop. You can never have enough items to represent your sorority, fraternity and the person you are.

 

Instagram TWYK pictures and make sure to tag us to get a special shout out on our Instagram! And use the code "Thankyou20" to get a discount on the site. ONLY LASTS while the giveaway is available. 

TWYK Decals ZTA Mug Giveaway TWYK Decals DZ Wine Glass Giveaway TWYK SAE Glass Giveaway

56 Thoughts Every Single Woman Has When She Needs a Formal Date

1. Ugh...
2. I had to get a date for a dance like a month ago.
3. Who on earth am I supposed to ask?
4. A fraternity guy?
5. Or should I change it up and ask someone not in a fraternity?
6. But will he have any friends then?
7. I need my date to have friends there!
8. I wonder who Jessica is taking?
9. Maybe I'll just ask her date's friend.
10. No, no. I can do this.
11. I need to make a mental list of options.
12. Nope, got nothing.
13. GREAT, I HAVE NO ONE.
14. Why does this happen?
15. I'm smart! I'm pretty! I'm a total package!
16. OK, pep talk over.
17. How many more of these do I need to get dates for?
18. Two more crush parties, one more date party, two more formals.
19. Where are these dates supposed to come from?
20. Am I supposed to be more social?
21. Maybe I am supposed to go out more.
22. Or maybe I need to talk to people in my classes.
23. It's too late to meet someone new to ask.
24. That would be terrifying.
25. "Hi, nice to meet you! Be my formal date."
26. It's coming down to that, though.
27. What if I just take a girl?
28. It's 2014.
29. I can take whoever I want!
30. I don't need a man.
31. Who said I need to take a man?
32. Let me brainstorm guys before I commit to that idea.
33. Mark, Chris, Ryan...
34. I'll just ask Mark. And go down the list.
35. Wait, I should check Facebook.
36. Make sure there are no surprises.
37. Ok... ok... looks fine.
38. Wow, I'm creepy.
39. Whatever, it's research.
40. I just need to suck it up and ask someone.
41. But this is crucial.
42. This is the person who will be in my prom-like photos.
43. I pay good money for this dance.
44. I need someone good.
45. Good for pictures?
46. Or like good for dancing?
47. What if I went alone?
48. Would anyone actually notice?
49. You know what, I have my sisters.
50. That's all I need!
51. Music, new dress, and sisters.
52. I have that going for me.
53. I'll just worry about this later.
54. I still have 3 days before the social chair hunts me down.
55. Phew, that was exhausting.
56. Time for Chipotle.

Falling Back in Love with Your Sorority

        There's a dirty little secret that no one tells you during recruitment, and that is that you will not always be in love with your sorority.  The secret goes something like this: you will not always be excited to go to retreats and mixers, and there may come a time where you dread giving up part of your Sunday to go to chapter. It is a possibility that at some point you will get burnt out on sorority life. That's okay, everyone goes through periods where other things take priority to staying active in the chapter, especially as graduation gets closer. 
       It's a part of growing up, however it doesn't mean that it's okay to just give up and go inactive or early alum, after all you did make a commitment to your organization. In the case that you find yourself feeling "meh" about your sorority for any number of reasons such as, friends graduating, harder classes/internships, or maybe your on some type of probation with your chapter, you should think to yourself "Why did I join, and why have I chosen to stay this long?" 
       The answer is most likely to be a part of something, to make lifetime connections, to have friends whose values are in line with your own. You joined because you knew that there is nothing like being in a sorority. If you're willing to start actively participating in your chapter again you might be surprised at how quickly you fall back in love.

Love Being in a Sorority? There's a Way You Can Do It Professionally!

Sisterhood events, semi-formals, recruitment, philanthropy work. Sororities really offer some of the best experiences in college. But why let the fun end there? There are many ways to keep the exciting memories coming after the first four years. You can join the local alumnae chapter or volunteer as a chapter advisor or chaperone your chapter's dances. These opportunities can be very rewarding, but there is a way to have all of this AND get paid!

Have you ever had a consultant visit your chapter? Those positions are typically contracted full time jobs for recent graduates. I graduated this past May, and received a job right out of college as a Leadership Development Consultant for Phi Sigma Sigma. As I was spending my last semester going to my internship in New York City, attending all of my classes, participating in sorority events, and doing my homework full of reading, writing papers, and preparing for exams, I frantically searched for full time jobs. I started hearing about an opportunity to be a traveling consultant for Phi Sigma Sigma after I had already applied to countless jobs. Even though working for my sorority was not my plan for after graduation, I decided to apply and see what could happen. So far, being a consultant has been a unique and exhilarating experience!

For Phi Sigma Sigma and many other Greek organizations, qualifications include being a graduate in good standing with the fraternity, having strong written and oral communication skills, and having the ability to foster and demonstrate teamwork and cooperation. Being a consultant means motivating and inspiring others to make the most of their collegiate experience while fostering leadership and positive growth. 

In return for the hard work advising and educating members on chapter operations and recruitment, this position sharpens many professional skills such as project and budget management, conflict resolution, event planning, and public speaking. This temporary position is a great stepping stone into any field because of these invaluable skills. 

OK, now for the real perks of the job. Like the title states, this is an opportunity to be a professional sorority woman! Even though I am a representative from Headquarters, I get all the perks of sorority life. I attend fun events for various chapters like a Zumba class with froyo for a health and wellness event, and Make a Wish parties for philanthropy work, and even recruitment video shoots. Not to mention all of the great conferences and training sessions with the headquarters staff! Plus, I am always getting countless free Phi Sig swag. Most of all, I get to see the positive change I make on these chapters. I develop a bond with the sisters who look up to me.

If you are looking for an exciting adventure like this, now is the time to apply for next year. Ask your advisor or headquarters staff about work opportunities, and see what you can do to continue your sorority experience!

What Being In Sorority Truly Means

Let me begin by saying, being in a sorority has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. This is not an exaggeration, I have no doubt that being a part of Phi Sigma Sigma – Delta Omega has changed my life.

Now, I know what you may be thinking, “every member of Greek Life says that” but the fact is, that it is truly nothing less than the truth for most Greeks, from cultural organizations to social ones, being Greek is an honor and privilege most of us are grateful we have.

Since graduating with my master’s this past May, I have realized (more than I had during my education) that people outside of Greek Life don’t understand the bond that Greeks share with their brothers or sisters, or fellow Greeks for that matter. 

People outside the walls of Greek life have many preconceived ideas about what sorority or fraternity life is, and as citizen of this nation, they have a right to have those beliefs.

Conversely, I have the right to combat their misconceptions with my reality.

Greek life is not about parties or formals, or buying your friends; or belittling our new members, it truly is about friendship and unconditional love.

When you join a Greek Lettered organization, you are joining a group of men or women with like-minded ideals and beliefs. You are joining a family that provides the opportunities to allow you to grow and prosper; you are creating bonds with people and forming relationships that will last you a lifetime.

That is the truth about Greek life that every non-Greek seems to miss. It so easy for people on the other side of the Greek letters to only see and believe the superficial and negative connotations associate with Greek Life, and miss the underlining values that foster Greek Life organization.

That being said, it is important for Greeks to show others the true meaning of Greek Life to help change the way Greek Life is perceived.

Sisters and Chainsaws and Clowns, Oh My!

I know that those lyrics typically correlate to a Christmas song, but I can't help but love Halloween. Halloween, besides Thanksgiving and Christmas, is my favorite holiday.

I love the thrill of facing some of the things that scare you the most. In my case, chainsaws and clowns are a whole lot of nope but this past weekend, some of my sisters and I went to face two of the most talked about haunted houses in Colorado: The 13th Floor and The Asylum.

In both of these haunted houses, I had to face my biggest fear with chainsaws. Naturally, I know what I get myself into each time I decide to step foot inside of a haunted house but somehow, I still find myself screaming and running in a full-on sprint once I reach the terrifying sound of a chainsaw.

Other than that, we had the time of our lives. Each haunted house had it's own smaller haunted house before the main attraction which my sisters and I so wonderfully dubbed, "The Warm Up."

From the time that we left The 13th Floor to the time we got to The Asylum, one of my sisters and her biological sister decided not to join us for the latter, leaving only three of us to conquer the final haunted house for the evening.

Two of us were (and probably still are) like small children; We were easily terrified but we manned up and we went first and second in our small group of three.

After all of the laughing, running, and screaming, I can easily say that my sisters help me face my fears. While I know that the clowns and chainsaws aren't real, they still terrify me. My sisters, as I say every week, are such a huge support and even though it's just something silly like going into a haunted house, they give me the courage to take these steps in my life.

I'm excited to say that in two weeks, we're going to visit The 13th Floor again for blackout night. Blackout Night is where you go with friends and the entire gets one glowstick. No other lights, just the glowstick, and from what I heard, the actors can take it away from you, leaving you in pure darkness. If this isn't facing a huge fear, than I'm not sure what is.

Being the Bridesmaid,

     My bestest most fabulous "Fig" or fake Big from my sorority got married in August. I was fortunate to be asked to be apart of her wedding! I couldn't have been more happy to be apart of  such a memorable occasion. Boy let me tell ya, it wasn't half of what I expected being my first out of the family wedding, but not in a bad way.

      She has been my right hand woman, my best friend, my confidant, the person I could tell pretty much anything for. Bekka was like my person at school that always got me, knew how to make me laugh, calm me down, and tell me when I was being stupid. I miss her to pieces not being here at school but I know she has helped make me the mature person I am today at school, and maybe helped me love animals a little more.. not a big fan they freak me out.

      Like Bekka always does surprise me she asked me to be a bridesmaid, but not in the good old Pintrest kinda way... but the Snapchat kinda way. I also missed it the first time I had to replay it, then I cried, then I called her! Couldn't have been happier and more surprised.

      A few months later me, the bridesmaids, friends, and sorority sisters took on Philly for her Bachelorette party. Needless to say, we had a wild, memorable, and interesting time taking on the city of brotherly love. 
       The wedding came quicker than ever. Bekka made the most beautiful bride, and Nick was a handsome groom. They make the most perfect couple I have ever seen and I truly admire their love. They make me aspire to find a love like theirs. It doesn't come around often, but they make me hope to find it. Being at the wedding Bekka, Kerri, other sisters and I were all able to reunite and come together to help celebrate the very happy wedding. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. 






       Bekka, thank you for stepping in and being such a great Fig/ Big to me. If it wasn't for you I would be so lost in many things especially Biology. You are one of the sweetest, kindest, most perfect people I have ever met. I know you and Nick are going to be so happy. I really can't wait til I see you next. I wish you lived closer but know I am never too far, thank God for cell phones. I love you to the moon and back! LITP <3